A bit like the Loch Ness Monster, but further south.

[Deb London]

Just found this in my inbox:

From Practical Fishkeeping:

Mystery monster returns to London river

Copyright © Thinkstock

Something big is apparently stalking geese in the River Lea, six years after it 'disappeared' .

Back in 2005 there were several incidents of large birds being pulled underwater from the surface.

It was thought at the time that a large turtle or giant pike might be the culprit. Some people even speculated that a crocodile might have been released into the river or nearby waterway after Lea Rivers Trust staff reported seeing a Canada goose being dragged beneath the surface on the Old River Lea alongside Hackney Marshes and several large holes were found burrowed into the river bank. Otters were dismissed as a possible explanation back then because they don't inhabit the local area and don't normally attack geese.

But before the mystery could be solved, the monster suddenly vanished.

Now the goose-eating predator seems to have returned and whatever it is, it's big. Mike Wells, who lives on a barge on the River Lea in East London told Express.co.uk: "We were just passing the time of day looking at a Canada goose 30 yards away, but then it just suddenly disappeared.

"It went down vertically. There wasn't any hesitation, it went straight down. It didn't come back up. My friend and I looked at each other slack-jawed.

"A Canada goose is not a small bird. They weigh about 16lb, so whatever took it was also large."

Mr Wells is hoping that the Environment Agency will investigate.

Whilst I love a good mystery, this one is a little too close to home. Has anyone any suggestions as to what the heck this animal/thing can be?

[artdemole]

A very large and elderly Pike would explain the happening...

[Deb London]

Can a Pike attack a human then? (Cue the theme tune from Jaws).

[Dogghound]

The hint is in the name Mike Wells, take away the Mike and remove an L, then google Wels .

[Dogghound]

Originally Posted by Deb London

Can a Pike attack a human then? (Cue the theme tune from Jaws).

Unlikely, but they have been reported biting humans by mistake. Such incidents occur from the glint of a wedding ring, or from shiny diving gear. I known someone who had the glow stick on his face mask bitten off by a pike.

[jaelen]

The first thought I had was a snapping turtle... but then I thought, "don't be silly, they're only in America!"

Then I did a Google and before I even finished typing 'snapping turtle' in the search box it came up with dozens of them for sale in the uk.

I can easily imagine someone with one of these creatures acquired as a 'pet' suddenly realising just how BIG- and dangerous they become.... and deciding to 'set it free' before it takes their kiddy's arm off.

Why do they sell these things in this country? It's mad! (sorry- will stop before I go into a rant.) A full-grown snapping turtle could easily pull a goose under- they are certainly heavy enough to do it.

[shenk1]

British record pike 46lb 13oz

World record pike (Poland) 63lb 14oz

Solid muscle - I think that would do the trick

They have backward facing teeth and once they have hold they don't tend to let go

[artdemole]

Pike do attack humans.Aug 28 2004 boy in water attacked.Received cuts to hand and feet.Had to have 11 stitches.
July 1999 31 year old man save from a 6foot pike whilst water skiing.

[Billabong Karen]

Originally Posted by Dogghound

The hint is in the name Mike Wells, take away the Mike and remove an L, then google Wels .

Wow, do you think we have any of these in the UK then???

[The Woodman]

Yes we do, Karen.

Here's a bit of info about them..
http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk...fact_sheet.pdf